Generation X and Y Members Say Cost Is Main Reason They Leave Their Health Club

Members of Generation X and Y were more likely to belong to health clubs than other age groups, and like other age groups, cost was their number one reason for leaving their club.

According to "The IHRSA Trend Report: Fourth Quarter 2011 Executive Summary," 17 percent of Generation X and 19 percent of Generation Y were health club members for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2011.

Consistent with results from former members overall, cost is the number one reason Generations X and Y cite for leaving their health clubs. "I moved/the location was no longer convenient" was another common reason for leaving, with Generation X more likely to cite this reason than Generation Y.

The top five reasons Generation X and Y continued to use their clubs were overall health/well-being, convenient location, making progress with their personal goals, access to group exercise and fitness professionals, and having fun.

"Both Gen X and Y are more likely than Baby Boomers to select 'to have fun' as a reason for remaining a health club member," said Melissa Rodriguez, IHRSA's senior research manager. "Knowing this and the importance these two segments place on access to group exercise and fitness professionals, club operators can consider offering a variety of trendy and entertaining fitness programs, which may go a long way in retaining Gen X and Y members."

Generation Y includes people from the ages of 21 to 30 while Generation X includes those from the ages of 31 to 45.